Toronto’s Ballet Creole Dance Company officially launches its new home
(September 2015; Toronto, Ontario) –Come and experience the first culturally diverse school and company of its kind in Canada, at our new location in South Etobicoke. In conjunction with Etobicoke Lakeshore Culture Days 2015 we are hosting two events, an Open House and J’ouvert! a performance from our professional dance company to launch the official opening of our new home.
On Saturday September 26th, 2015 Ballet Creole opens its doors for an Open House at our new home on 101 Portland Street, South of the Queensway, off Royal York. From 11am- 3pm, come meet our team, register for classes, and enjoy free African- Caribbean Dance & Drum Workshops.
The finale of our launch weekend will take place on Sunday, September 27th. We are partnering with The Assembly Hall to present J’ouvert!, an interactive theatrical presentation of dance and live percussion, displaying the carnival celebrations of Pan-American countries. Free admission for both of these events.
Ballet Creole School offers recreational classes for everyone aged 5 and older. In this unique and nurturing environment, everyone with the aspiration to dance can do so in a challenging yet fun and educational setting. The powerful tones of the drums are ever-present as each class is accompanied by a core of talented musicians playing traditional and contemporary instruments. Not only does Ballet Creole offer a dance and music school, they are the home of one of Toronto’s premier dance companies. All teachers at the Ballet Creole school are company members or industry professionals. Ballet Creole is at the forefront of Contemporary Afro-Caribbean dance and has been labeled as the forerunner of Blacks in Dance in Canada.
Ballet Creole’s Artistic Director Patrick Parson stays true to his mission of bringing forth the artistic richness that is embedded in Canada’s multicultural communities. At the Ballet Creole School you are provided with the opportunity to learn and infuse yourself in amazing Afro-Caribbean dance styles. Come embrace Canada’s rich multicultural background at Ballet Creole.
About Ballet Creole:
The organization comprises both a professional ensemble of dancers and musicians and a School of Performing Arts, both under the direction of Artistic Director and Founder, Patrick A. Parson. Active on the Canadian dance scene since August 1990, Ballet Creole has been recognized as a Company where “multicultural traditions blend deliciously with profound theatrical expression”. Their high-energy works range from African ritualism to abstract modern, with a repertoire driven by the rhythm of the drums.
While focusing on traditional and contemporary performing arts of the Caribbean and Africa, Ballet Creole aims to establish a dynamic new artistic tradition in Canada based on a “creolization”, or fusion, of diverse dance and music traditions.
For more information on Ballet Creole visit www.balletcreole.org.
